{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
There are some unusual omissions on this machine in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional. The outside display screen (the one you will use probably the most), doesn’t feature LTPO technology, which permits the show to dynamically ratchet from 1 to 120 Hz. This can be a extra battery-efficient course of, however as an alternative, the Fold will solely go from 60 to 120 Hz. That is nitpicky, however once more, you are spending $1,800 solely to search out this flagship characteristic is just not accessible. (It is accessible on the internal display screen.)
On different Pixel telephones, you may prime up different units—like your earbuds’ charging case—wirelessly with a characteristic referred to as Battery Share. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to use this characteristic, however it’s not accessible on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Additionally, some digital camera options do not exist, like Cinematic Blur, which provides a portrait mode impact to your movies. Oh, and do not forget this machine is rated IPX8, so it is fantastic to submerge it in a pool, however watch out with mud (keep away from the seashore!).
Essentially the most annoying flub is wi-fi charging. It is supported on this machine, however it would not work with Google’s very personal Pixel Stand Gen 2 wireless charger as a result of the coils don’t align. (Google says the Pixel Stand is discontinued however … it is nonetheless promoting the charger on its storefront.) Curiously sufficient, I attempted to see if wi-fi charging labored on a couple of different charging stands I had mendacity round and the reply was no. Effectively, type of. It really works on some should you put the telephone in panorama orientation, however not should you place it in portrait on a stand. You may be higher off utilizing a charging pad that sits flat.
General, the digital camera system is analogous however not equivalent to the Pixel 9 Professional, and whereas the outcomes are typically nice, I’ve observed photographs from the ultrawide and telephoto cameras are noticeably not as sharp in low-light circumstances in comparison with the cheaper sibling. I additionally do not like the truth that the selfie digital camera on this telephone would not characteristic autofocus. It is good which you can take selfies with the superior rear cameras, however typically you do not wish to unfold the entire thing, after which your picture is not as sharp as what you get with the Pixel 9 Professional.
It is these kinds of little issues that add as much as make the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really feel a bit … bizarre. It does its job nicely if a mini pill is what you need—I desire utilizing it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6—however Google must work on its characteristic parity in order that you do not really feel such as you’re lacking out on the newest and biggest when you’ve got the corporate’s costliest piece of {hardware} in your arms.
